The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put on hold the nationwide protest fixed for Tuesday against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the National Communications Commission (NCC).
The protest was called off after a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who announced the strike suspension, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
He said the committee will be include five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’
Ajaero said the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” he explained.
Even with the suspension of the protest, Ajaero lamented that the NLC was still worried about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” the labour leader said.
The telecom operators last week go approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission, to increase tariff to 50 per cent tariff citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.
Justifying the increase, the NCC, said it was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.
But the NLC not only rejected the tariff hike and demanded a reduction to five per cent, it threatened a nationwide protest it fixed for Tuesday if its demands were not met.
It condemned the hike as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers.
